Barely two months after taking the helm at Invest & Grow (IG) SACCO, CPA Mary Awino Kweyu is already attracting attention as she begins shaping the next chapter of one of Western Kenya’s prominent savings and credit cooperative society. 

Having risen through the ranks from Finance Manager to Chief Executive Officer, Awino brings to the top office a deep understanding of the institution’s financial operations, internal systems and strategic priorities.

Her appointment marks a significant leadership transition for the Kakamega-based SACCO, where expectations are high among members, particularly teachers who form a substantial part of its membership.

Awino assumed the role of acting CEO in August 2026 before being confirmed as substantive CEO on September 22, succeeding Dr. CPA Peter A. Vuhyah, who retired after 26 years at the helm.

Her elevation is not simply a change of office. It is a transition from managing the institution’s financial engine to steering its wider corporate strategy, service delivery and growth ambitions.

A financial expert entrusted with the top job

Before her appointment, Awino served as Finance Manager, a position that placed her at the centre of the SACCO’s financial planning, expenditure management and financial reporting.

Her experience in the department is expected to be an important asset as she takes responsibility for the institution’s overall performance.

According to the performance record provided, her tenure in finance was associated with annual revenue growth of approximately 20 per cent, a reduction in operating costs of about 15 per cent, clean internal and external audits, and reduced reliance on overdrafts.

These are significant indicators in a financial institution where prudent management, liquidity and the ability to serve members sustainably are essential.

Her experience gives her an advantage in understanding the financial pressures facing the SACCO and the opportunities available to strengthen its operations.

For teachers and other members, the key question will be how that financial expertise translates into more efficient services, responsive loan products, stronger member engagement and sustained institutional growth.

Early expectations, growing confidence

Since taking over, Awino has been credited with streamlining operations and helping boost confidence among teachers and other SACCO members.

Her early months in office have generated expectations that the institution will build on its financial performance while improving the experience of members who depend on it for savings, credit and other financial services.

The challenge ahead is substantial. Members will be looking for tangible improvements in service delivery, timely processing of transactions and loans, transparent communication and continued financial stability.

As the new CEO settles into the role, her ability to turn internal operational improvements into measurable benefits for members will be a key test of her leadership.

Leading a financial giant in Western Kenya

Formerly known as Kakamega Teachers SACCO, IG SACCO was established in 1977 and rebranded to Invest & Grow in 2015.

The institution has grown into a major financial player in Western Kenya, serving more than 30,000 members, many of them teachers.

Figures provided for 2025 indicate that the SACCO held assets worth approximately KSh16.4 billion, up from KSh15.2 billion in 2024, with a loan book of about KSh14.6 billion.

Its footprint includes branches in Malava, Mbale, Mumias, Butere, Lumakanda, Serem and Luanda, alongside its headquarters at IG Plaza along Khalisia Road in Kakamega.

That scale makes the CEO’s role particularly consequential. Decisions made at the top affect thousands of members, their families and the wider communities that rely on the institution’s financial services.

Awino takes over at a time when SACCOs must balance growth with prudent lending, regulatory compliance, technology-driven service delivery and rising member expectations.

Building on a long-serving predecessor’s legacy

Awino succeeds Dr. CPA Peter A. Vuhyah, whose 23-year tenure provided a lengthy period of leadership at the institution.

Her task will be to preserve the gains made during his administration while positioning IG SACCO for its next phase of growth.

She will also work with the board under chairman Rodgers Waswa, who took over the chairmanship in March 2026, as the institution pursues its strategic priorities.

The transition brings both opportunity and scrutiny. Members will expect the new leadership to maintain financial discipline while delivering visible improvements in efficiency, accessibility and customer service.

A defining chapter begins

For Awino, the journey from Finance Manager to CEO represents the culmination of experience gained within the institution she now leads.

Her financial background provides a foundation for the role, but the broader measure of her leadership will be the SACCO’s performance in the months and years ahead.

With a substantial asset base, an established membership and a network serving communities across Western Kenya, IG SACCO has a strong platform on which to build.

The expectations are high. Members will be watching closely to see whether the early momentum attributed to Awino develops into lasting improvements in service, financial performance and member satisfaction.

For now, the spotlight is on a finance professional who has risen to the institution’s highest executive office — and who must turn that experience into results for the thousands of members who have entrusted IG SACCO with their financial future.